Royal Caribbean International and Universal Orlando Resort are partnering to offer a new Way More Than a Cruise ultimate vacation package. With a wide variety of options, families will be able to experience a both a theme park vacation and a Bahamas cruise while enjoying up to 25 percent off the combined rates of the individual land and sea experiences. Bookings for Way More Than a Cruise are available for travel starting March 31, 2009.
The theme park and cruise vacation packages combine a three- or four-night stay at Universal Orlando Resort with a three- or four-night Bahamas cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Monarch of the Seas, or a seven-night Caribbean cruise aboard Freedom of the Seas. Way More Than a Cruise includes both hotel and shipboard accommodations, multi-day passes to both Universal theme parks, Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, complimentary admission to select live entertainment venues at Universal’s CityWalk and ground transfers between airport, hotel, theme parks and the ship at Port Canaveral.
“Royal Caribbean is delighted to partner with Universal Orlando Resort to create this special package for vacationers seeking a unique and truly memorable experience,” said Adam Goldstein, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “The Way More Than a Cruise package seamlessly combines the best of land and sea to deliver an exciting family vacation. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy these premier Orlando attractions along with two of Port Canaveral’s newest ships, Monarch of the Seas and Freedom of the Seas.”
Universal Orlando Resort is home to two world-class theme parks, a nighttime entertainment complex and three themed on-site hotels. At Universal Studios, families can jump into the action with award-winning attractions based on some of today's best-known movies and TV shows – attractions like The Simpsons Ride, Shrek 4-D and Revenge of the Mummy. Also coming soon to Universal Studios is Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, a brand new customized roller coaster. The coaster combines first-ever maneuvers with personalized features allowing riders to choose the soundtrack for their ride and purchase a one-of-a-kind video of their experience. Next door, Universal’s Islands of Adventure features a number of cutting-edge rides and attractions on five uniquely themed islands – Marvel Super Hero Island, Toon Lagoon, Jurassic Park, The Lost Continent and Seuss Landing.
“Universal Orlando Resort is thrilled to enter this partnership, bringing together two incredible experiences to create one memorable vacation,” said Bill Davis, President and COO for Universal Orlando Resort. “Our guests will not only enjoy some of the most entertaining theme-park attractions ever created, but also the world-class experiences and service Royal Caribbean is known for delivering.”
For the cruise portion of their vacation, families will sail roundtrip to the Bahamas aboard Monarch of the Seas and call at Nassau, Bahamas, and CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island paradise in the Bahamas. Aboard the Monarch of the Seas, cruisers will exclusively enjoy a day at CocoCay, featuring a myriad of water sports options, an Aqua-Park for children, beaches and hammocks, beachfront barbeque, and a straw market. Onboard, guests can enjoy Broadway-style musical revues; exciting gaming in Casino Royale; and rejuvenating treatments in the onboard Day Spa. Younger guests can hang out with their peers in the cruise line’s award-winning Adventure Ocean youth program, where teens have their own dedicated space. New features in the complimentary onboard youth program, such as extended hours in the Adventure Ocean and teen spaces and pre-cruise ordering of baby supplies, will help provide a stress-free experience for parents.
One of the best ways to experience Universal Orlando Resort is by staying at one of their three themed, AAA Four Diamond Award-winning on-site hotels: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort and Hard Rock Hotel. On-site hotel guests enjoy a variety of special theme park privileges, including free Universal Express ride access. Just by showing their valid hotel room key card, on-site hotel guests can bypass the regular ride and attraction lines. The on-site hotels are connected to the resort by a scenic waterway. Complimentary water taxis provide quick and convenient access to Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and CityWalk. Additional Orlando area hotels located within minutes of Universal Orlando are also available.
Beginning in May 2009, vacationers also will be able to choose a 10- or 11-night extended Universal Orlando Resort and Royal Caribbean vacation by combining a three- or four-night stay at Universal with a seven-night Eastern or Western Caribbean cruise aboard the Freedom of the Seas. On the Eastern Caribbean itinerary, guests will spend three days at sea and call at St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and CocoCay. On the Western Caribbean itinerary, guests will enjoy two days at sea and call at Ocho Rios, Jamaica; George Town, Grand Cayman; Cozumel, Mexico; and Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private beach paradise located on the north coast of Haiti.
One of the largest ships at sea, the Freedom of the Seas features Royal Caribbean's exclusive onboard amenities such as the FlowRider surf simulator; the H20 Zone water park; Studio B ice-skating rink; a full-size boxing ring; cantilevered whirlpools suspended 112 ft. above the ocean; and the four-bedroom, four-bath Presidential Family Suite, which accommodates up to 14 guests. Guests also have a choice of eight onboard restaurants, including Royal Caribbean’s signature specialty restaurants Chops Grille steakhouse and Portofino Italian restaurant.
For more information or to book a Way More Than a Cruise ultimate vacation, call your travel agent, visit www.waymorethanacruise.com or call 877-202-5090.
